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15 Jan

January 15, 2008 |

The 2007 Pastors and Local Church reports are ready. The one-page Pastor’s Report must be submitted by every licensed minister. Each senior pastor must take responsibility for submitting the Local Church Annual Report, which provides statistics and other information about the church’s ministry in 2007. A packet containing the reports is being sent to each church. The 2007 UB annual reports can also be downloaded from the UB website. You’ll find fillable forms in MS Word format which you can submit to Bishop Ramsey as email attachments.

14 Jan

January 14, 2008 |

Annette Sites, pastor’s wife at Jerusalem Chapel UB (Churchville, Va.) and a member of the denominational Women’s Ministry Team, is the keynote speaker at the annual Ladies Breakaway Retreat. The retreat will be held March 14-15 at Rhodes Grove Camp in Chambersburg, Pa. This inter-denominational retreat has been happening for over ten years. This year’s theme is “A Balancing Act,” based on the verses in Galatians about carrying each other’s burdens.

Registration begins on Friday, March 14, at 4:30 p.m. The retreat concludes at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The cost is $90 per person for a full room (4 persons). If interested, contact Jeanie Helman for a brochure by email or by phone at 717.263.0659. The registration deadline is March 7.

11 Jan

January 11, 2008 |

Nativity Shelter

Lancaster UB Nativity

Sharon Lucas, secretary at Lancaster UB (Lancaster, Ohio), sent this Christmas report: “Lancaster United Brethren Church held a Live Nativity this year for the first time in several years. It had been a fixture in the community for several years.

The Theme was “Follow the Light.” With a large billboard and a rented spotlight, folks from miles away were drawn to the presentation. The Nativity featured a new shelter house, many live animals (including two camels), and most importantly featured the Gospel message presented with live acting to many in the community who otherwise may not hear it any other way.

“God blessed us with the opportunity to meet with hundreds of folks from the community, many of whom are unchurched. The show ran for fifteen minutes, three times an hour, and played to an audience of 40-80 at each showing throughout the weekend. Refreshments were served in the Merillat Center between shows, and connections were made with families looking for a church home.”

11 Jan

January 11, 2008 |

A couple days ago, in Part 1, I discussed my dismay over the many churches that are disobedient to the Great Commission. Now I’d like to tackle a second issue that has concerned me as I interact with our churches.

2. The amount of conflict that exists in so many of our churches.
There are people in conflict with the pastor, pastors in conflict with the people, and people in conflict with other people in the church. Dealing with conflict in churches is without a doubt the most tiring part of this job. I’ve come to the conclusion that these two issues are related. Let me put it this way: if you aren’t going to fish, you will probably fight and may ultimately flee.
(more…)

09 Jan

January 9, 2008 |

Wow, 2008 already. I have been reflecting over the past two years of my term as bishop. People often ask me if I enjoy what I do. I usually laugh and tell them I am not sure this job is supposed to be enjoyed. That is, however, not altogether true. I then explain that some aspects of my work are very enjoyable. They have included:

  • Opportunity to ordain a pastor.
  • Seeing congregations decide to become healthy.
  • The National Conference 2007, where God showed up!
  • Speaking in many of our churches, meeting some great people.
  • Working with a fine staff: Pat, Gary, Steve, Marci, Tom, Donna, Marilyn, Cathy, Darlene, Phylis, and Mabel. They truly have a heart to serve you.
  • Seeing some sparks of renewal in a few places and trying to fan those sparks into an inferno.
  • The privilege to serve the United Brethren in Christ, USA
  • Serving on the Huntington University board of trustees.
  • Talking with pastors who have a passion and vision for the ministry God has given them.
  • Working with our leadership teams.
  • Helping to develop and participating in our weekend assessments of various congregations.
  • And probably a lot more if I just thought about it.

However, certain aspects have been very challenging. When thinking about the challenges, I can’t help but think of that great “theologian,” Pogo, who once said, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”

There are two issues that I would like to discuss with you. I’ll post one today, and the second one on Friday.
(more…)

08 Jan

January 8, 2008 |

Cheryl Leighton, wife of Pastor Joe Leighton of Salem Chapel UB church (Junction City, Ohio), passed away early this morning. Since the beginning of September, she has been fighting cancer.

Both the viewing and the funeral will be held at the Lancaster UB church in Lancaster, Ohio. It is located at 1125 Pleasantville Road in Lancaster. Here are the times:

Viewing: Friday, January 11, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Funeral: Saturday, January 12, 10 a.m.

If you would like to make a contribution, Cheryl has requested that your gift be made out to the Fairfield County Humane Society or to Salem Chapel–Global Ministries.

08 Jan

January 8, 2008 |

Donelle Raab, wife of Michigan minister Dick Raab, was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her spinal column this week. She began radiation this week to be followed up with chemo.  She is in a good bit of pain despite medication.

Dick and Donnelle served 42 years in the pastoral ministry, retiring in January 2007 from their last pastorate, Richfield Road UB church in Flint, Mich. Donelle holds a Specialized Ministries license, and until the end of 2007 was a member of the denominational Women’s Ministry Team. They now live in at 1914 Jack Pine Court, Dorr, MI 49323.

08 Jan

January 8, 2008 |

Pastor Esdras, one of our Guatemalan pastors, was seriously injured several years ago. His injuries left him confined to a wheelchair. His wheelchair is his only means of travel, and constant trips up and down the hill to his church and visits to his parishioners have taken their toll on the chair. He needs a heavy-duty motorized wheelchair. Cost: $2000. If you or your church could underwrite this expense, please contact Donna Hollopeter in Global Ministries by email (donna@ub.org) or by calling toll-free 888-622-3019.